10 Common Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is related to an inflammation or infection in your digestive tract. What it comes down to: What you eat! Pouches form on your digestive tract, basically in your colon. When weak spots in the intestinal wall distend outward, these pouches become irritated and bacteria gets into them - causing an infection.

Fortunately, diverticulitis resolves itself after a few days or weeks thanks to rest, low-fiber diet, and antibiotics.

Symptom 1: Bloated

Do you feel bloated, or do you have a swollen abdomen? Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis.

The pain usually occurs on the left side of the abdomen, but can happen on the right, as well. It may be more painful when you move.

Symptom 2: Cramps

Do you have cramps? Although usually mild, diverticulitis does cause cramps.

The cramps may become more intense and be tender, if you touch your abdominal area or having a bowel movement.

Symptom 3: Constipation

Do you suffer from constipation or diarrhea? What about flatulence (yes, we mean farts)?

Diverticulitis can result in a bowel obstruction, which can cause persistent constipation, thin stools, and diarrhea. Avoid laxatives or enemas – they may make the pain of diverticulitis even worse.

Symptom 4: Loss of Appetite

Because you have to think about what you eat, and how it will be digested and removed from your body,diverticulitis may make you lose your appetite. The pain and nausea also make you think twice before eating something.

According to eHealthMe, “Loss of appetite is found among people with Diverticulitis, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, take medication Pantoprazole and have High blood pressure.”

Symptom 5: Nausea/Vomiting

Do you experience nausea and feel like vomiting? When a bowel obstruction persists with diverticulitis, you may have nausea or vomit.

According to MedicineNet, one patient stated: “I admitted myself to the hospital that day and had a CT scan and exam and was told I had diverticulitis. I spent 4 days in the hospital with a 103 to 104-degree temperature, extreme pain, and nausea. The worst 4 days ever, so I thought. I was released from the hospital yesterday after 3 days with diverticulitis again.”

Symptom 6: Fever

Do you experience persistent and unexplained fevers?

Having a fever is a symptom of diverticulitis, especially if you have been diagnosed with it previously.

Symptom 7: Indigestion

Do you get indigestion or heartburn? But nothing gets rid of it? It may be due to diverticulitis.

According to eHealthMe, “Indigestion is found among people with Diverticulitis, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, take medication Nexium and have Gastroesophageal reflux disease.”

Symptom 8: Chills

As part of the fever you may get with diverticulitis, you get the chills, too.

One patient with diverticulitis stated in a Patient discussion forum: “Hi. Has anyone experienced chills before or during an episode? I have been having chills for past 2 days even during the night. Getting scared I may be having a flare up. Even though I have not fully recovered from the previous one. Vivian”

Symptom 9: Bleeding

If you have repeated attacks of diverticulitis, you may need surgery to remove the affected portion of your colon. Bleeding may occur in your colon, which happens mainly to those older than 40. However, it is detected by blood coming out of your rectum with a red or maroon tint. If the bleeding does not stop, you may need a colonoscopy and stay in a hospital to receive intravenous fluids or blood transfusions. Surgery may be required to end the bleeding and remove part of your colon.

According to Healthline, “Blood in the stool, as well as bleeding from the rectum, can occur in both diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Research reports up to 17 percent of people with chronic diverticulitis experience bleeding.”

Symptom 10: Urge to Urinate

Do you have to urinate more often or at least have the urge to do so?

If you have more of an urge to urinate, if you urinate more frequently than usual, or if you experience a burning feeling when urinating, you may have diverticulitis.